Get Derby-Ready with Off Broadway Shoes!

Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show

{This post is sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes. All opinions are my own.}

Here's a little secret that Louisville women know about Kentucky Derby season: this time of year, you need as many fun accessories as possible. Yes, Derby is one weekend (okay, it's a week...), but fun events pop up all the time. You need to have an arsenal of hats, shoes, and handbags at your disposal to successfully navigate Derby Season. I've even attended Derby-week barre classes where hats and fascinators were encouraged! Off Broadway Shoes can help you find the hat you need for any Derby-week occasion!

This Saturday, April 14, Off Broadway Shoes in Shelbyville Road Plaza (4600 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 201) is hosting a Derby-themed trunk show from 11 am until 2 pm. The show will feature hats from C.K. Noble Millinery. The Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses will be there from 11 until noon for photo opportunities, and customers will enjoy 20% off their entire purchase as well as Buy One, Get One 50% on select merchandise! 

I'll be there to meet y'all and help you select the perfect hat for your Derby-week needs! I've attended this event a couple of times in the past, and it is so much fun to watch shoppers find just the right hats to flatter them and coordinate with their Derby ensembles!

With those great deals, you'll have money left over to pick up one of these adorable Derby-week hats, too! This made me laugh so hard when I saw it at Off Broadway. I mean, it's funny because it's true! 

Fascinator c/o Off-Broadway Shoes | Draper James Magnolia Dress

I hope to see y'all at Off Broadway Shoes next Saturday for an afternoon of shopping fun! Happy Derby Season, y'all!

What to Wear to Keeneland When It's Cold

{This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC may receive a small per-click commission for products listed in this post, at no cost to the reader.}

Oh, Kentucky weather. You're so unpredictable. You're sooooo hard to dress for.

It's Opening Weekend at Keeneland. And it's snowing. What do you wear to Keeneland's Spring Meet when it snows? I mean, today is the Blue Grass Stakes. It's a big-deal race -- a Grade 2 that very well could impact the Derby field. You'll see so many people you know... and the track is running on a snow delay! (The doors open to the public at noon rather than 11, and the first race is on time at 1::05 pm)

Of course, the answer is layers. Lots of layers. Start with a basic dress. I love this Talbots Ponte dress, and it's on sale right now! I have the navy, but the green is so pretty, too!

Add a chic jacket. My Barbour Polarquilt Beadnell is probably my all-time favorite jacket. It's so warm, and so pretty. 

The final touch to a cold-weather racetrack ensemble is boots. Boots keep you warm and allow you to wear socks. They're always equestrian chic and appropriate for the track!

Are y'all heading out to the track today? What are you wearing?

The HerKentucky Guide to the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection

{This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC receives a small per-click commission on product links, at no additional cost to the reader.}

I love my Hunter boots for a fun way to stay stylish, warm, and dry in bad weather. I love the cool story that Hunter Wellington boots were developed to keep British troops dry in the trenches of World War I. And I love the quality of these products. I'm fully prepared to love the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection. I love the fact that the collection is so inclusive -- from toddlers to adults to plus size, with a lot of unisex items!, and I love that all pieces are under $80, with most under $40! I was so excited when I saw my local Target getting ready for tomorrow's launch.

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I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pieces from the collection, which drops sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. And, as a veteran of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target madness, I thought I'd share a few tips for scoring the pieces you love!
 

Tips for shopping online and in-store

FIrst of all, make sure you have a Target.com account, and make sure to click the "heart" button for the pieces you like when you shop ahead of time; this allows you to quickly convert loves to purchases.  Check around midnight EDT tonight, sometime overnight, and first thing in the morning. We have no idea when it'll actually go live. Second, head out to Target first thing in the morning if you don't mind a line. Consult Target.com to make sure you know what time your store opens, and plan to be there on airport hours (i.e., if your local airport only requires that you be there one hour ahead of time, I suggest doing the same for your Target...) Third, be prepared to check back in subsequent days. There will be returns and reshuffles. Finally, if you don't find what you want, PLEASE do not pay the speculators on eBay. Those folks ruin it for everyone!

My favorite pieces form the collaboration

The standout pieces for me are waterproof ankle boots in pink and yellow. I LOVE these, and the price point is fantastic. What a fun pop of color for spring showers!

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I also adore these two-toned ankle boots. The olive and orange combo is so fun and I think I'm going to need these navy and red! 

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And, I'm crushing hard on these waterproof rain boots in orange and olive. (They also come in black and red!)

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And how cute are these unisex packable rain jackets? The yellow and the red are adorable, and at $40, they're perfect to throw in the car, a work bag, or anywhere you might hit bad weather.

I'm pretty sure my little niece is going to need this toddler packable rain jacket and the matching rash guard. 

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While her older sister is going to need this striped performance skirt and these athletic shorts.

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And there are inexpensive rash guards for the entire family -- toddlers, kids, women's, women's plus, and men's -- to keep everyone safe from harsh sunlight.

Let me know your Hunter for Target picks and if you find anything fun!

Maker's Mark and Keeneland

Maker's Mark and Keeneland are two of Kentucky's most iconic traditions. I bet you've noticed that there's always plenty of Maker's Mark at the track, but did you know that these two brands have been paired up since the very beginning? In fact, the very first barrel of Maker's Mark was purchased by Keeneland in the mid-1950s. When Maker's launched their Private Select Barrel Program a few years ago, Keeneland was, once again, their first customer!

Of course, there are always plenty of opportunities to celebrate Maker's Mark at the track. The 2015 Breeders' Cup at Keeneland featured everything from signature Maker's Mark lounge areas to Maker's branded cocktails.

Bob makes his Breeders' Cup picks at Keeneland, Maker's Mark in hand.

And, then there are the bottles. Since 1997, Maker's Mark has collaborated with Keeneland to produce special collectors' bottles which benefit local charities. These are accompanied by signings at Keeneland, which are quite an event for bourbon lovers. This year's signing will be next Friday, April 13th, to coincide with the Maker's 46 Mile, a popular (G1) horse race. Perhaps the most iconic bottle in the collection is the Empty Bottle, the 2000 edition which was not filled because whisky supply was low at Maker's distillery due to a fire. Even with no bourbon inside, the bottle raised over $200,000 for the Tubby Smith Foundation!

There's even a signature Maker's Mark cocktail at Keeneland, The Keeneland Breeze. It's so citrusy and refreshing: it's 1.5 parts Maker's Mark to 1/2 part Triple Sec, topped with a splash of ginger ale and an orange round garnish.

I ran across these Keeneland Breeze kitchen items at The Keeneland Shop recently. What a fun way to celebrate the racetrack and its signature spirit!

Cheers and happy racing, y'all! 

Keeneland Fun with Scout and Molly's and CRU

French Connection wrap dress c/o Scout & Molly's. Photos by Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.

{This post is sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm. All opinions are my own. As always, thanks to The Summit at Fritz Farm and all the sponsors who keep HerKentucky running. This post may also contain affiliate links; HerKentucky may receive a small per-click commission on product links, at no cost to the reader.}

I try to spend as much of April in Lexington as possible. Lexington is absolutely beautiful in the spring, and Keeneland's Spring Meet is my absolute favorite event of the year! I also find myself finding any excuse I can think of to visit The Summit at Fritz Farm.  It just provides such a wonderful shopping experience. The vibe is so much more fun than most shopping centers! A visit to the Summit just always feels so relaxed and friendly! 

I recently visited Scout & Molly's at the Summit to pick out a dress for the upcoming Keeneland Spring Meet. The owner, Terri, helped me find this gorgeous French Connection wrap dress. It was just the right combination of comfort and sophistication for a day at the track. I love the little peach druzy necklace and ivory faux-leather earrings (both available at Scout & Molly's) that we chose to complete the look. I seldom opt for statement jewelry, so I felt extra-fancy and dressed-up with these pieces! This would be such a fun look for the Keeneland Clubhouse or one of the dining rooms! 

Once I'd picked out my dress, I stopped by CRU Food & Wine Bar for some small plates and a glass of wine. Y'all, this place was so lovely! It would be such a fun spot for dinner and drinks after the races! The vibe was casual chic, the wine selection was great, and the food was perfect for sharing!

I especially loved this leather envelope clutch by local designer Raya Stern of Grey Designs, also available at Scout & Molly's!

These lobster and shrimp pot stickers were so zesty and delicious! 

And you know what they say: you had me at Bordeaux. (Well, at least I say that...)

Thanks so much to the Summit, Scout & Molly's, and CRU for inviting me out to get race day-ready, and thanks to Sarah Caton for the amazing photos!! I hope to see y'all at The Summit at Fritz Farm -- and at Keeneland -- soon!

A Taste of the Races at Keeneland

Keeneland Spring Race Meet 2018 print

{Some links in this post are affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC may receive a small profit when you click product links, at no cost to the reader.) 

Keeneland's Spring Meet is only a few days away, y'all! There's something so special about Keeneland -- the beautiful track, the opportunity to run into so many friends, and the excitement of the races! Absolutely nothing compares to a spring day at Keeneland! 

To get you ready for the race season, the Keeneland Shop has an amazing shopping event coming up this week! This Wednesday and Thursday, you'll get 20% off your on-site purchase at the Keeneland Shop. They have so much good stuff, y'all -- favorites like Barbour and Draper James, as well as Keeneland-branded originals. m. The premiere evening, Wednesday April 4, offers hors d'oeuvres prepared by Keeneland Executive Chef Marc Therrien, as well as Maker's Mark and Gents Original Ginger Ale craft cocktails.

I was so excited that Keeneland Shop sent me this stunning platter and plates set by Dishique along with an invitation to the event! What a perfect way to serve up spring appetizers for race season!

As for shopping, I have my eye on some CatStudio Keeneland merchandise. I seriously LOVE this pillow!

There's even a little CatStudio gift for attendees of Wednesday's event. The first 250 attendees will receive their complimentary cocktail in a Keeneland catstudio glass! How cute is this?

Louisville Stoneware mugs are my all-time favorites! This Keeneland logo design is amazing.

Shop the Draper James Keeneland Capsule Collection!

If I haven't already sold you on this event, there's also a Draper James Capsule Collection of Limited Edition Keeneland merchandise! That Key Fob is a must-have!!

Trinket Tray

Key Fob

Clutch

I hope to see y'all at the Keeneland Shop's Taste of the Races. Happy Racing Season, y'all!!

Shop Draper James Lexington for Easter Dresses!

Draper James has the absolute spring dress collection, y'all. I'm in love with all the navy and fun floral patterns, and have found so many cute pieces for date nights and spring horse races and the holidays! 

Speaking of holidays, if you haven't been able to find the Draper James dress you want online, or if you're still looking for an Easter dress for this weekend, you should stop by the Draper James store in Lexington at The Summit at Fritz Farm. They always have a great variety of dresses, and the sales staff is so wonderful and hospitable and sweet! A trip to the Lexington Draper James store is always so much more than just a shopping trip!

Here are some of my favorite spring dresses from Draper James! The Love Circle Dress is an adorable fit and flare dress that is so adorable for any of your spring events. I especially love the Seersucker! These will be so perfect for every spring event, from Easter services to races at Keeneland or Churchill Downs to date nights! (Fun Fact: The Love Circle Dress is named for the road that runs around Love Park near Vanderbilt's campus, near Draper James Founder Reese Witherspoon's hometown, Nashville!)

Click to shop Draper James Love Circle Dresses: 1. Seersucker | 2. Hyacinth Floral | 3. Magnolia 4. Solid Navy 5. Elliston Floral 6. Dot

I love that this year's Draper James spring line includes some inclusive sizing -- running from XS to XXL to flatter as many ladies as possible. I also love that the price point has been lowered to make the dresses more accessible to more women. All of the dresses in the picture below are under $150, and a few are under $90!

Shop my favorite Draper James Spring Dresses: 1. Magnolia Persley Pointe Dress | 2. Hyacinth Floral Ruffle Sleeve Knit Dress | 3. Belted Daisy Vine Shirtdress | 4. Daisy Vine Roslyn Dress | 5. Belted Magnolia Shirtdress | 6. Ottoman Stripe Knit Dress

If you're still looking for that perfect spring dress, stop by Draper James in Lexington, enjoy a sweet tea, and try on one of these gorgeous pieces. I bet you'll find something you love!